Vegetable, fruit prices likely to surge by 25-30%

03 February, 2012

KARACHI: Following massive upward revision in the rates of diesel and petroleum related products announced by the government, an increase ranging from 25 to 30 percent is likely in prices of all kinds of vegetables and fruits in the wholesale and retail markets of Karachi during the next few days.

KARACHI: Following massive upward revision in the rates of diesel and petroleum related products announced by the government, an increase ranging from 25 to 30 percent is likely in prices of all kinds of vegetables and fruits in the wholesale and retail markets of Karachi during the next few days.

Vegetables and fruits consumption of around 20 million population of Karachi is catered through supply from Sindh nterior, Balochistan and areas of Punjab province bordering Sindh.

Approximately around 14 to 15 thousand tonnes of fruits and vegetables arrive Karachi Subzi Mandi, on Super Highway via 700 to 800 truckloads providing around 100,000 of the population to earn their livelihood through this trade.

However, the unjustified upward revision in the prices of petroleum products especially diesel, which is used by majority of transporters, may spell adverse consequences as far as rates of all vegetables and fruits are concerned.

Rates of onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies were already on higher side and with the latest surge in prices of petroleum products without any significant increase in their rates in the international markets, may spell serious financial hardship for poor segment of the population.

Haji Shahjahan, President Wholesale Vegetable Welfare Association, Subzi Mandi Karachi termed the increase in fruit and vegetable prices as a sequel of upward revision in prices of petroleum products.

There would be double edge increase for consumers of Karachi as not only transporters from across the country would enhance their transportation charges but the owners of Suzuki and other modes of transport which carry vegetables and fruits from Subzi Mandi to different areas of Karachi would pursue the similar line of action.

Owners of heavy trawlers and trucks which carry large quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables from across the country to Karachi would now charge 20 to 25 percent higher rates which would only add to the already high prices of vegetables and fruits.

He claimed after persistent higher rates of onion in the wholesale markets which was available to consumers at exorbitant price of Rs 35 to Rs 40 per kg and at retail level Rs 45 to Rs 50 per kg, there were hopes that its prices would dip from the first week of February in the wake of large scale import from India.

He said from now on almost all fresh vegetables would be available to consumers at such rates, which would be a burden on their pockets compelling them to divert their income earmarked for other expenditures.